Scholarship donor fills hearts and minds

Skeet Varner

A pile of well wishes and thank yous fill Elvey “Skeet” Varner's desk drawer.

They are cards from the numerous CSUB students he has helped over the years through his contribution to their future. “Those that I've selected said they've always wanted to become better people. They always wanted to help others,” Varner said.

The 83 year-old started the Varner Scholarship in business administration at CSUB over a decade ago. Varner selects five to six business students each year and supports them through their graduation.

“I believe in educating those who would not have had the opportunity otherwise,” he said.

And, Varner wants to be more than just a benefactor to these students. Each quarter he comes to campus to have lunch with the Varner Scholarship recipients. He wants to get to know these students – their backgrounds, their families, their goals, their ambitions. He inquires about their classes, progress in school and general welfare.

“It's like I have a lot of extra granddaughters,” he said with a smile. Varner said he hadn't intended on selecting mostly women but it has turned out that way.

Barbara Valkova is one of those extended family members.

Valkova, a two-time CSUB alumna, received her bachelor's in business in 2000 followed two years later by her master's in business administration. Originally from the Czech Republic, Valkova attended high school in Bakersfield and was recruited by CSUB to play tennis and received a full ride scholarship.

It was when she wanted to pursue her graduate degree that Varner and Valkova connected. “Her story really struck me,” he said.

Valkova enjoyed the chance to meet her donor and get to know him at the special lunch meetings. “It was nice to have that interaction with Skeet and get to know him on a personal level,” the 32 year-old said. “I enjoyed the opportunity to thank him face to face.”

Ultimately what had started as a generous gesture turned into friendship and the pair are still in touch.

“What he has done has meant so much to me,” she explained. “Without Skeet I would never have been able to afford to enroll in the graduate program.”

Valkova is now a pharmaceutical sales representative for Johnson & Johnson and knows she wouldn't be where she is today without her education.